Being born with a caul was perhaps a sign for artist Mike Connell that water was to have a major influence on his life.

A caul birth is when a baby is born with a membrane covering its head and an en-caul birth is when the whole baby is born inside the amniotic sack.

Mike is unsure which of the caul birth scenarios was his, but he recalls his mother’s words.

“My mother says I was born on the water because I came out in a caul, covered in green skin.

“Because of that, my mother thought I would never drown.”

It seems she was right.

Mike remains captivated by water at the age of 72 after spending his life on it or near it and he is still here to tell the tale.

Since childhood, Mike has sailed everything from dinghies, smacks and yachts and for many years he owned, lived on and renovated the sailing barge Beatrice Maud.

Since retiring 11 years ago, he has spent hours in his studio, a converted shed, bringing local scenes to life on canvas.

Mike’s exhibition, Waterworld, is currently being held at The Bell in The Street, Purleigh, until April 26.

The pub is open from 11.30am - 3pm and 6pm - 11pm Tuesday to Friday.

On Saturday, it is open from 12pm - 4pm and 6pm-11pm.

Sunday’s hours are 12pm - 5pm.